Banijay Picks Up Buzzy Reality Format ‘Werewolves’ For Multiple Territories From Studiocanal and Dreamspark (EXCLUSIVE)

Richard Gadd's new drama series 'Half Man' is making waves at MIPCOM, securing distribution deals with Stan in Australia and Crave in Canada. This is significant as it highlights the growing international interest in innovative storytelling and the potential for Gadd's work to reach wider audiences. The success at MIPCOM not only boosts Gadd's profile but also showcases the strength of the BBC and HBO collaboration.

Banijay Entertainment is making waves by launching a professional soccer team in the Netherlands, named FC Failliet/Finesse (FCF), in collaboration with popular social media creators like Ilias Vietto, Aimane Charbon, and Kleine John. This initiative not only diversifies Banijay's portfolio but also brings a fresh approach to sports entertainment, merging traditional soccer with the influence of digital creators. It's an exciting development for fans and a unique opportunity for the creators to engage with their audience in a new way.

Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic is excited to announce a new travel docu series titled 'Tres Hinchapelotas' as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Featuring popular Latino figures like Jaime Camil, Marcelo Tinelli, and Jorge Enrique, the series aims to capture the spirit of the tournament through the eyes of passionate fans. This initiative not only highlights the cultural significance of the World Cup but also showcases the vibrant Latino community's enthusiasm for soccer, making it a must-watch for fans everywhere.

In the latest episode of the 'Daily Variety' podcast, Leo Barraclough shares insights from Day 2 of the Mipcom content market in Cannes, France. The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement as he discusses his conversation with Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Studios. This event is significant as it showcases the latest trends and innovations in the content industry, making it a key gathering for professionals looking to network and explore new opportunities.

Disney's 'Tron: Ares' has made a strong debut at the top of the U.K. and Ireland box office, earning £1.7 million ($2.4 million). This impressive opening highlights the film's appeal and sets a positive tone for its future performance. Meanwhile, Warner Bros.' 'One Battle After Another' continues to perform well, accumulating a total of $11.2 million. The success of these films is significant as it reflects the ongoing recovery of the cinema industry and the audience's eagerness to return to theaters.

Banijay and YouTube are teaming up to launch an Entertainment Creators Lab in France, aiming to harness the growing creator economy. This initiative, announced by Banijay's Marco Bassetti at Mipcom, will feature a dedicated channel called Banijay Creators Studio, designed to connect creators with industry professionals. This partnership is significant as it not only supports content creators but also enhances the diversity of entertainment formats available, fostering innovation in the industry.

Banijay Entertainment is making waves by announcing the launch of 10 new pilot projects at Mipcom, as shared by CEO Marco Bassetti. This initiative taps into the creator economy in France and the U.K., leveraging previously unused intellectual property from their catalog. Bassetti views this as a valuable opportunity to experiment and potentially expand their offerings, which could reshape the entertainment landscape and provide fresh content for audiences.

Banijay's recent acquisition of the Netherlands-based creator label Werktitel marks a significant move in the evolving creator economy. Announced at MIPCOM in Cannes, this deal highlights the growing importance of creators in the media landscape, as Banijay aims to enhance its portfolio and adapt to changing market dynamics. This acquisition not only strengthens Banijay's position but also reflects a broader trend where traditional media companies are increasingly investing in creator-driven content.

Avalon founder Jon Thoday has responded to the lawsuit filed by Studiocanal and the estate of Michael Bond over a satirical depiction of Paddington Bear in the puppet show Spitting Image. Thoday expressed surprise that a company involved in comedy would pursue legal action for what he considers a joke. This lawsuit raises important questions about copyright in the realm of satire and comedy, highlighting the tensions between creative expression and intellectual property rights.

Netflix is expanding the cast of its upcoming series 'Extraction' by adding 11 new members, including notable actors like Sacha Dhawan and Ross McCall. This move not only enhances the show's appeal but also builds anticipation among fans who are eager to see how these new talents will contribute to the storyline. With Omar Sy leading the cast, the series promises to deliver exciting performances and engaging narratives, making it a highly anticipated release.

Kate McKinnon has been cast as Aphrodite in Season 3 of 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians,' bringing her comedic talent to the role of the Greek goddess of love and beauty. This addition is exciting for fans, as McKinnon's unique style promises to add a fresh dynamic to the series. Her character's ability to change appearance based on perception adds depth to the storyline, and viewers are eager to see how this will unfold alongside Percy Jackson, played by Walker Scobell.

Netflix's new series 'Extraction' is generating excitement as it rounds out its cast with notable talents like Sacha Dhawan, Ross McCall, and Pip Torrens. This diverse lineup promises to bring depth and intrigue to the series, which is already highly anticipated. The inclusion of such experienced actors suggests that 'Extraction' could deliver a compelling narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of thrilling dramas.

Fifth Season has announced an exciting multi-year partnership with Picturestart, led by Erik Feig. This collaboration will enhance Picturestart's capabilities by providing additional shared services in business affairs, finance, and production. It also promises to boost co-productions in film and television, which is significant for both companies as they aim to expand their creative reach and impact in the industry.

At the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society gala, actor Esai Morales shared an emotional reflection on his 40-year journey in Hollywood, emphasizing themes of resilience and cultural pride. His heartfelt speech resonated with many, highlighting the importance of Latino unity in the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, Pepe Aguilar celebrated the authenticity of music, reinforcing the significance of staying true to one's roots. This event not only honors individual achievements but also fosters a sense of community and pride among Latino artists, making it a pivotal moment for representation in Hollywood.

The upcoming release of 'The Black Phone 2' is generating buzz as it aims for a debut between $23 to $29 million, which could help lift Blumhouse's recent box office struggles. Despite previous tracking inaccuracies, the studio is cautiously estimating an opening of around $18 million. This sequel, featuring Ethan Hawke reprising his role as the Grabber, is significant as it reflects the ongoing challenges in the horror genre during a sluggish October, making its performance crucial for future releases.